One Pot Recipes

Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta – One Pot Pasta Meals

There’s something deeply comforting about a one pot meal. Maybe it’s the relief of fewer dishes. Maybe it’s how the flavors cozy up together like old friends. This dish delivers that kind of comfort, all tied together with soft, lemony orzo and tender Greek-style meatballs. You start with juicy ground beef, seasoned just right with garlic and herbs. They brown up fast while the orzo cooks to the perfect texture right next to them. No need to juggle pans or baby-sit boiling pots. One pan. One burner. Done. And then there’s the whipped feta. Oh, the whipped feta. It’s cool and creamy and comes together with a quick blitz in the blender. It turns what could’ve been a tasty dinner into something restaurant-worthy. This isn’t just another food recipes pasta combo—it’s one of those pasta crock pot recipes you’ll actually remember to make again.

Image Description

Table of Contents

  • 1) Key Takeaways
  • 2) Easy Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta Recipe
  • 3) Ingredients for Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta
  • 4) How to Make Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta
  • 5) Tips for Making Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta
  • 6) Making Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta Ahead of Time
  • 7) Storing Leftover Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta
  • 8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
  • 9) Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta
  • 10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe blends everything we love about comfort food with a dash of Mediterranean freshness. Imagine tender Greek-style meatballs simmered in lemony orzo and crowned with a smooth whipped feta topping. It’s hearty but light, creamy but not heavy. And yes, it’s all done in one pot — which means more flavor and fewer dishes. Win-win.

We love that this meal takes less than 45 minutes and doesn’t need a grocery list as long as your arm. Simple ingredients, familiar techniques, and the payoff of something that tastes like it came from a cozy taverna by the sea. Perfect for weeknights when you want good food without the fuss.

Best of all, this One Pot Pasta Meal fits any mood — whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm that feels a little fancy without trying too hard.

Image Description

2) Easy Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta Recipe

There’s something satisfying about cooking a meal that makes your kitchen smell like garlic, herbs, and lemon all at once. This recipe delivers exactly that. You start by shaping small, flavorful meatballs that cook quickly, keeping them tender and juicy. The orzo cooks right in the same pot, soaking up every bit of broth and spice as it simmers next to the meatballs.

And when it’s all done, you get that creamy feta finish — a swirl of tang and richness that ties it all together. The best part? It feels like you worked hard, even though the process is simple enough to do on a tired Wednesday night. That’s what makes One Pot Pasta Meals so great: big flavor, low effort, minimal cleanup.

It’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down. Just wholesome, lemony goodness you’ll find yourself making again and again — especially when you want something warm, cozy, and easy.

Image Description

3) Ingredients for Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta

Ground Beef or Lamb: The heart of this dish. Use whichever you love more — beef gives richness, lamb adds a touch of depth. Either way, the flavor is everything.

Garlic and Onion: The base of the aroma. They bring warmth and sweetness that make the whole kitchen smell amazing before the orzo even hits the pan.

Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks fast and holds flavor like a sponge. It’s the secret to why this meal feels like a creamy risotto but without all the stirring.

Olive Oil: Just a drizzle makes the meatballs brown perfectly and adds that golden, nutty finish we all love in Mediterranean food recipes pasta dishes.

Lemon: Bright, fresh, and slightly tart. The zest and juice wake everything up and balance the creaminess of the feta beautifully.

Feta and Greek Yogurt: Whip them together, and you’ve got the dreamiest sauce. It’s tangy, rich, and light all at once — the perfect crown for pasta crockpot meals or quick stovetop ones like this.

Fresh Parsley: Adds a bit of green freshness at the end. It’s small but makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.

Image Description

4) How to Make Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta

Step 1. Mix the meat. Combine your ground beef or lamb with onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Roll into small, even meatballs so they cook evenly and brown beautifully.

Step 2. Brown the meatballs. Add olive oil to a large skillet or pot and brown them on all sides. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet — they’ll finish later with the orzo.

Step 3. Toast the orzo. After removing the meatballs, toss the orzo in the same pan for a couple of minutes until lightly golden. That little step adds a lot of flavor.

Step 4. Simmer. Add broth, return the meatballs, and let everything cook together until the orzo is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. This is where magic happens — the flavors merge, and the sauce thickens naturally.

Step 5. Whip the feta. Blend feta with Greek yogurt until smooth and fluffy. Spoon it over the finished pasta, let it melt a bit, and get ready to smile with that first bite.

5) Tips for Making Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta

Use fresh lemon juice. It’s what makes the whole dish taste alive. Bottled juice just doesn’t give the same brightness or aroma. Trust me, it’s worth squeezing the real thing.

Don’t skip toasting the orzo. It’s a small move that brings out a nutty flavor, and it keeps the pasta from turning mushy. That’s the secret to great Italian pasta recipes and food recipes pasta that actually feel homemade.

If you’re craving more color, toss in baby spinach or cherry tomatoes at the end. They’ll soften slightly in the heat and add a little freshness to balance the creaminess of the feta.

6) Making Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta Ahead of Time

This is one of those One Pot Pasta Meals that actually tastes better the next day. The lemon settles in, the feta mellows, and the orzo becomes even creamier. You can cook everything, let it cool, and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to bring it back to life.

The whipped feta can be made up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving. The flavor deepens over time, making it even better.

For meal prep lovers, portion the pasta into containers with a little extra whipped feta on the side. It’s like giving future you a high-five on busy days when dinner feels impossible.

7) Storing Leftover Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavor stays strong, and the texture holds up surprisingly well. When reheating, just add a spoonful of water or broth and warm slowly. It’ll come back to its silky, lemony self in minutes.

If you’re freezing it, skip the feta topping and add it fresh later. The pasta reheats beautifully, making it one of those pasta crock pot recipes that still shine even from the freezer.

And here’s a trick — reheat with a squeeze of fresh lemon to revive that zing. It makes yesterday’s leftovers taste brand new again.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta

Greek Meatballs and Lemony Orzo with Whipped Feta – One Pot Pasta Meals

There’s something deeply comforting about a one pot meal. Maybe it’s the relief of fewer dishes. Maybe it’s how the flavors cozy up together like old friends. This dish delivers that kind of comfort, all tied together with soft, lemony orzo and tender Greek-style meatballs. You start with juicy ground beef, seasoned just right with garlic and herbs. They brown up fast while the orzo cooks to the perfect texture right next to them. No need to juggle pans or baby-sit boiling pots. One pan. One burner. Done. And then there’s the whipped feta. Oh, the whipped feta. It’s cool and creamy and comes together with a quick blitz in the blender. It turns what could’ve been a tasty dinner into something restaurant-worthy. This isn’t just another food recipes pasta combo—it’s one of those pasta crock pot recipes you’ll actually remember to make again.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: food recipes pasta, Italian Pasta Recipes, One Pot Pasta Meals, Pasta Crock Pot Recipes, Pasta Crockpot Meals, Pasta Meals, pasta puttanesca recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Kathy

Ingredients

  • 500g ground beef (or lamb)
  • 1/2 onion, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 200g orzo pasta
  • 500ml chicken broth
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 100g feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into small meatballs.
  2. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Set them aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a low simmer. Return the meatballs to the pan.
  5. Cover and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and broth is mostly absorbed.
  6. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Remove from heat.
  7. In a blender, combine feta and Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth and fluffy.
  8. Serve meatballs and orzo with a generous dollop of whipped feta and sprinkle of fresh parsley.

10) Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe | Calories: 465 | Sugar: 1.8 g | Sodium: 580 mg | Fat: 23 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Fiber: 2 g | Protein: 29 g | Cholesterol: 76 mg

Written by Kathy from Simply Cooked Recipes

Image Description

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating